The Skyline Newspaper

Cartoon: Created and Designed by Jonathan Smith, Sul Ross Senior

Professional Sports Suffer a Black Eye

By: Adam Cuellar
Skyline Reporter

As tough as this is to admit, I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain an avid and loyal sports fan. It seems like every time I flip on SportsCenter another athlete or coach is admitting to or being accused of cheating. My beloved channel has turned into an unwatchable funneling of liars, cheaters, and swindlers. The morals and core values of our hallowed athletes and coaches have never before been questioned so frequently and feverishly.

Nearly every collegiate and professional sport has suffered a black eye in the past year due to cheating. In an era when prized and nationally hyped high school recruits are constantly being wined and dined by top athletic programs in the country, it is easy to see the immense focus our society is placing on successful athletics. The pressure on athletes to perform and coaching staffs to produce victories is quite evident. Major universities hand out full scholarships in every sport to players they think can help them win a championship. Collegiate and professional coaches alike are signing multi-million dollar contracts to win and win immediately. If they aren’t successful, another coach is brought in for higher pay and a shorter leash. It’s no wonder then that our athletes and coaches feel the need to separate themselves from the pack by dishonest means.

Take for example the recent contract buyout of former Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson. The basketball head coach and his team were well on their way to an NCAA tournament bid when it was discovered that he was engaging in illegal texting with prospective recruits.

Now this may not seem like such a terrible infraction, but it grows much worse when you consider Sampson’s recent history. Less than a year ago he was released from his head coaching duties at Oklahoma for similar NCAA infractions. Sampson was foolish enough to believe his means of cheating would somehow go undiscovered. This is the only plausible inference as he certainly would have known such a discovery would lead to an immediate dismissal from the team.

Any true baseball fan has taken to heart the recent allegations against sure fire Hall of Famer Roger Clemens.
Clemens has repeatedly denied ever being injected with human growth hormones (steroids) by his ex-trainer but is under heavy scrutiny by representatives of Congress.

The damaging testimony and evidence against the pitcher has sometimes left him babbling in the face of his harshest and most powerful critics. Previously regarded as the most deserved and liked pitcher in modern baseball, Clemens has also felt the wrath of fans across the nation.

Media members and fans alike have already pegged Clemens guilty of lying under oath to Congress and are seemingly begging the embattled pitcher to admit what they perceive as truth.

Unfortunately, this year’s Super Bowl was tainted by Spygate, the New England Patriot’s embarrassing signal recording incident that took place in week one of the season. What should have been a historical game magnified a dozen times over by the potential of an undefeated team was instead a narcissist laden spectacle that ended in the fashion many desired: the previously undefeated and shameful Patriots walking off the field in disgrace and knowing their performance would forever go down as one of the worst choke jobs in the history of sports. Their coach was caught cheating red handed and many fans and critics alike expressed their desires to see an asterisk next to their win in the record books had they been able to achieve a perfect season.
Giant’s head coach Tom Coughlin made a comment about possible divine intervention on their late go-ahead drive sparked by David Tyree’s incredible behind the head catch. In pickup basketball a disputed foul or other call is decided by a single shot by any player.  As the saying goes, “the ball never lies.” Perhaps this basic yet sound theory took place on even the grandest of athletic stages.

I shudder to think of what I will do with myself if I ever awake to the screaming headline, “Cowboys QB Tony Romo accused of taking HGH!” For some, this has become an unfortunate reality as around the nation bonafide stars are admitting to and being accused of cheating. I dread the day that my son or daughter’s sports idol must present their case to Congress and eventually bow their head in shame or stumble at every question as they try to formulate lies.

The issue of what all this means to our society is a different article altogether. To tell the truth, though, I’m not too sure I’ll be brave enough to write it.

Marking Time: The Billion-Year Countdown Underway

Steve Lang
News And Publications

It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.” – R.E.M.

Until Congress diverted its full attention from such trivial matters as the sagging economy, the war in Iraq, and gaps in health insurance coverage to hotly pursue Major League baseball players fingered for steroid use, I spent little time pondering predictions on the world’s end.

Truly, I do not welcome catastrophe. Besides, with the sense of timing that appears to favor the perpetuation of stupidity, if an asteroid did strike Congress, it would occur during recess and no one would be injured.

Just for the (latest) record, Earth’s demise is 7.6 billion years away.

But life as we know it will be long gone by then. We’re down to a billion years’ existence, when the ever-expanding sun boils our oceans dry and reduces the planet to a cinder, according to astronomer Robert Smith of the University of Sussex, England.

But, wait! That’s way down the road. For now, inquiring minds want to know, is Roger Clemens guilty of using human growth hormones to bolster his impressive pitching statistics?

Republicans generally maintain his innocence; Democrats say he’s lying, according to a recent news report.

Meanwhile, unless scientists are able to “tame” an asteroid to swing by the Earth every few thousand years, nudging the planet into higher solar orbit and outpace the sun’s outward growth, we’re gonna fry, baby!
Yeah, but a billion years from now? Who cares?

Depends on your calendar. Just a few weeks ago, I referred to Dr. Frank H. T. Rhodes’ condensed calendar of the earth, compressing the 15 billion years to the present into one year.

If the sun vaporizes earth in 7.6 billion years, that would be around July 4th on Rhodes’ scale.

If we’re starting on New Year’s Day, one billion years equates to about 24 days.

That means we won’t be around to watch the Super Bowl. Kraft, Frito-Lay, and Budweiser will take a serious hit, not to mention all those new commercials nobody will see.

Smith’s prediction is the latest in a host of forecasts of Earth’s demise. Most previous prognostications indicate we’ve already outlived our life insurance policy.

William Miller said the world would end in 1843.  A century later, prophets of doom stated the Cold War would ignite into mushroom clouds, making duck and cover drills null and void.

zNostradamus predicted 1999; if not then, Y2K was the clincher.

Threats of meteors crashing through the atmosphere have shortened Smith’s prediction by 7.6 billion years, less 872.

Astronomers (this is Wikipedia talking) calculate that Asteroid 1950DA will come very close to or collide with Earth on March 16, 2880. This impact, though, may not be fatal.

Others maintain the world will end when the Chicago Cubs return to and win the World Series.

Since both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox, after 80-plus years of futility, achieved this feat in the past few years, this prediction pales somewhat.

Even so, the Cubs may have until 2879 to end their pennant frustrations. If March 16, 2880 proves accurate, the Super Bowl dip recipes will be enjoyed and none of those commercials will go to waste, either.

Perhaps by that time, even the Minnesota Vikings will have won a Super Bowl and Congress will have dropped the steroids investigation to approve more tax rebates specifically to purchase air conditioning units in the wake of heightened global warming.

Steve Lang entertains the possibility that the world ended when he finally graduated from college, but if so, no one noticed.  

ELF, “Economic Sabotage” Group

By Madeleine Cantu
Skyline Reporter

Since its appearance in the early 1990s, ELF (the Earth Liberation Front) has been suspected—or, in most cases, has openly claimed responsibility—for hundreds of “economic sabotage” or “ecotage” attacks on facilities and businesses in the name of environmentalism. I hesitate to use the word “environmentalism” in the same sentence as ELF, and namely for one purpose: the acts that they think promote awareness against the human degradation of the environment (or otherwise negative effects on it) are a complete travesty of justice. Their actions are at a blatant disregard for the environment, and this week’s blaze is a prime example of that.

On Monday, Mar. 3, a group (believed to be associated with ELF) targeted a model luxury home development near Woodinville, Washington, with alleged explosive devices. The houses, although built with the environment in mind, were in the neighborhood of $2 million. Three of them were burned to the ground, and two others were damaged. The protest was in favor of opponents of the housing development, who questioned the steps taken to protect the endangered species of chinook salmon in Bear Creek, the natural aquifer, and the wetlands, all which are located near the development.

This is, to be honest, quite remarkable. I imagine that whoever decided to incinerate these buildings didn’t stop to think of one thing, their own disrespect for their surroundings. What about burning all the materials in those homes, for no purpose other than to protect the environment? In doing so, they sent the fumes of burning PVC pipes, paint, and other materials into the atmosphere, and certainly the burn-off affected animals nearby.

Another example was in 2001. ELF again was suspected in another act of arson at the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington. It was said that ELF activists “mistakenly believed researchers there were genetically engineering trees,” according to msnbc.com. In this case, their idiocy is flabbergasting. Their hopes to make a statement are nothing more than a childish attempt for attention that is dangerous to the lives of people and the surrounding area.

In a statement from 2002 from the “ELF Press Office,” shortly after another attack on a research facility, they state, “In pursuance of justice, freedom, and equal consideration for all innocent life across the board, segments of this global revolutionary movement are no longer limiting their revolutionary potential by adhering to a flawed, inconsistent ‘non-violent’ ideology.  . . . We will no longer hesitate to pick up the gun to implement justice, and provide the needed protection for our planet that decades of legal battles, pleading, protest, and economic sabotage have failed so drastically to achieve.”

This statement leaves me scratching my head. Since the Dust Bowl caused by European immigrants in the Midwest, national and federal parks have been established, the U.S. Forest Service and Parks and Wildlife Service, and countless other conservation biology groups have surfaced. The flaw in ELF’s demonstrations are that they offer no solution. Human development and population numbers are going to increase; that will not be changed by setting SUVs, research facilities, houses, and God knows what else ablaze. We, as true environmentalists and not ignorant (and for lack of a better word) wanna-bes, have to take steps to preserve and protect that which we do have. It is true some lack respect for the Earth’s resources and take advantage of them, but is fighting fire with fire the answer?

Those cases that I have mentioned here are only a few of ELF’s self-declared “pro-environmental” actions in the past decade alone. There are literally hundreds of cases that can be investigated. It is nothing short of shocking and appalling that these fanatics believe their pyromania is a testament to their devotion for improving Mother Earth as we know it. In reality, it’s like a large-scale temper tantrum that isn’t garnering the type of response it was meant to. It’s a shame that they don’t grow up and realize that there are better, more effective angles to take when making a statement, and none of them begin with planting explosives in houses built and bought by law-abiding, tax-paying citizens.

Teaching Methods, Student Engagement

By Robbie Ferguson
Skyline Reporter

Teaching methods and styles vary widely at the college level; instructor preferences range from classroom lectures to field trips, and encompass a variety of available choices. 

Current research shows a strong relationship between instructor teaching methods and student learning experience, and there are many schools of thought about what makes a good instructor. 

For teachers interested in providing the highest standard of education to their students, several themes emerge among the experts.  Student attention and engagement are among the most important issues. 

Stephen Catt, Donald Miller, and Ken Schallenkamp, in “You are the Key:  Communicate for Learning,” describe a survey conducted by Gruenwald and Ackerman in 1986, which revealed differing opinions between teachers and students on what is most important to the learning environment: “Teachers rated ‘knowledge of subject’ as the most important factor in education, [while] students considered ‘communication skills’ to be most relevant.”

A 2004 study by Faranda and Clarke asked students to rate teacher qualities they deemed most important: “Five themes became apparent: rapport, delivery, fairness, knowledge and credibility, and organization. 

Of these themes, rapport and delivery were considered to be of particular interest.”

According to research conducted by Arnold and McClure in 1996, learners retain: 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 50% of what they see and hear, 70% of what they say, and 90% of what they say and do.

From these statistics, one can infer that a maximum of 50% of information from a lecture will be retained by students, providing they see and hear everything the professor presents.  Retention improves remarkably when students vocalize the material and maximum learning occurs when students are allowed to combine vocalization and action.

“I believe that humans are social beings hard-wired to relate to others . . .” states Katherine Frego, in “Authenticity and Relationships with Students.”  She states that teachers have unique opportunities to interact with their students, unlike in other methods of learning such as TV, computers, books, etc.

“. . . The learner can interact with the human educator, and therein is a relationship – however transient, shallow, or unacknowledged.” 

Sometimes we forget that students and teachers are not terribly different, although that distinction may be deeply felt at the academic level.  Students and teachers are, after all, still human beings and are designed to communicate on many levels.  The learning environment is no exception, and should not be seen as such.  Effective teaching begins with fundamental human communication principles.

 “The first criterion of effective teaching must be to care that learning happens but is coupled with caring about the learner as a person.” notes Frego.   She lists the following as strategies toward becoming an effective teacher: attending to student needs, clear expectations, valuing individuals, caring, reducing anxiety, empowerment, and choice.

In employing these strategies, educators create an accommodating environment which cultivates student interest, engagement, and interaction. 

Communication skills, enthusiasm for subject, and an ability to engage students are paramount to becoming an effective teacher.  Educators who possess excellent relational skills, are excited about their subject, and genuinely care about students, create the most effective learning environment.

Dear Editor.

Is the future of West Texas firmly grasped in the people’s hands? Do we as inhabitants of this land have control over the direction in which this area is heading? Do we have clear focus and understanding as to where we stand as individuals and where we meet as communities? Will we passively let our fate be dictated by money making politicians and corporate interest groups like MOTRAN?

Once again, the issues regarding la Entrada al Pacifico have come face to face with the railroad. Hasn’t this been what people have been talking about for years? Why has so much money and time been spent discussing transport by truck and avoiding what is best for the land and its people?

I urge each resident to stop passing time and let your voice be heard. Now. We need this issue to move forward and we need to move forward together. One way we can do this is by supporting the development of the railroad. Change is undeniable. We can attempt to manage it, or stand aside and let it change us.

The transportation of goods by rail and development of the rail system means the creation of solid career opportunities for people on both sides of the border all the way to San Angelo from Sinaloa. This is an important fact considering the career options of many border youth, who eventually leave the area for better opportunities.
It means less light, less pollution, and less fuel consumption. One train equals around 200 trucks.

Rail transportation means smart infrastructure and can be controlled better than truck transport. TX DOT could be on the nation’s leading edge of “green” transportation with the opportunity to create a state of the art rail corridor.

Transport by rail makes sense. Logistically. Economically. Environmentally.

We have a window of opportunity to make our voices be heard and stand up for what’s best for the people and our communities on both sides of the river.

Shout it, write it, email it, paint it, sing it, and get it across however which way: TRAINS!

Sincerely,
Johanna Nelson with ReViva Collective